A Conversation with Thomas Jefferson & Martha Washington

Many visitors don't realize that Abingdon's roots predate the Declaration of Independence so they may be surprised to find Thomas Jefferson and Martha Washington greeting people at this year's Festival.

For the past five years the Historical Society of Washington County has brought Bill Barker, an internationally recognized historical interpreter of Thomas Jefferson now based at Monticello, to Abingdon. This year, Kurt Smith, who interprets Jefferson at Colonial Williamsburg, will take the stage along with Martha Washington, portrayed by Katharine Pittman also of Colonial Williamsburg.

Our area's connections with Jefferson and Washington are numerous. Jefferson, of course, served as Secretary of State in Washington's administration and helped forge the structure of our nation's government and economy. Thomas Jefferson's father Peter played a pivotal role in surveying the western lands where we now live and piqued his son's lifelong interest in the western frontier. Washington County was created in 1776 - one of the first counties created by the newly independent Commonwealth of Virginia - and named in honor of Mrs. Washington's husband, Gen. George Washington. For almost two centuries the building in which they will be performing has been associated with the name of America's first First Lady.

Katharine Pittman and Kurt Smith will meet local guests on Sunday July 28 and Monday July 28 in the ballroom of the historic Martha Washington Inn and Spa on Abingdon's Main Street. both performances will begin at 6:30 p.m. with a cash bar opening at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 per person, with a child 12 or under admitted free when accompanied by a ticketed adult. The programs raise funds for the Historical Society.

Smith and Pittman will also speak at a free program at the Higher Ed Center on Monday afternoon to share insights with anyone, young or old, who is interested in developing their own skills of historical interpretation.

We are honored to have these two Nation Builders in Abingdon as we prepare for America's 250th birthday next year. It's a rare opportunity you and your family won't want to miss.